The State Department said both the US and UK make assessments based on their legal frameworks, and there are processes that are still ongoing and incidents that are under review…reports Asian Lite News
A day after the United Kingdom suspended some of the arms licences to Israel in the wake of the conflict in Gaza, the United States said that the UK makes assessments based on its legal framework and the US respects what it does.
The State Department said both the US and the UK make assessments based on their legal frameworks, and there are processes that are still ongoing and incidents that are under review.
“So, it’s not that we disagree with the UK position. It’s that the UK makes an assessment based on their legal framework, as is appropriate for them to do. We make an assessment based on our own legal frameworks and looking at, in many cases, the same facts, but we have processes that are still ongoing and incidents that remain under review,” Miller said in the press briefing on Tuesday.
He refused to comment on what Israeli PM Netanyahu said and affirmed that both UK and Israel are allies of the US.
“When it comes to assessing the decision, again, I’m not going to comment on what the prime minister says. Both of these countries are allies of the United States. The United Kingdom is an ally of the United States, and we respect the work that they do,” he added.
This comes after the UK announced to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing a “clear risk” they could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy told parliament on Monday that the partial ban covers items “which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza” against Hamas but did not include parts for F-35 fighter jets, according to Al Jazeera.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the British government’s claiming that the move will only “embolden Hamas.” He further asserted that regardless of the UK’s support, Israel remains resolute in its determination to emerge victorious in this conflict.
“With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future,” posted the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X.
Denouncing it as a “shameful move that will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas,” he said, “Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.”
Netanyahu slams UK govt
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the British government’s decision to suspend thirty arms licences to Israel, asserting that regardless of the UK’s support, Israel remains resolute in its determination to emerge victorious in this conflict.
“With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future,” posted the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X.
Denouncing it as a “shameful move that will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas,” he said, “Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.”
Notably, Hamas savagely murdered 1200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens. Moreover, Hamas is still holding over 100 hostages, including 5 British citizens.
This comes after the UK announced to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, citing a “clear risk” they could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy told parliament on Monday that the partial ban covers items “which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza” against Hamas but did not include parts for F-35 fighter jets.
US stresses on finalising ceasefire deal in Gaza
The United States has reiterated the need to finalise the the ceaseifre deal in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and said Washington will continue to engage with its partners in the region to push for a final agreement.
United States State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the Palestinian people, who are suffering the “terrible effects of this war,” cannot afford to wait any longer.
Further, the statement noted that the people of Israel and Palestine are suffering the effects of the ongoing conflict and cannot afford to wait.
“It is time to finalize that deal. The people of Israel cannot afford to wait any longer. The Palestinian people, who are also suffering the terrible effects of this war, cannot afford to wait any longer. The world cannot afford to wait any longer,” Miller said in the daily press briefing on Tuesday (local time).
“Over the coming days, the United States will continue to engage with our partners in the region to push for a final agreement.” he added.
Miller also stated that the US has made progress in talks and emphasized that success depends on both parties seeking solutions rather than focusing on reasons to reject a deal.
“During talks last week, we made progress on dealing with the obstacles that remain, but ultimately, finalizing an agreement will require both sides to show flexibility. It will require that both sides look for reasons to get to yes, rather than reasons to say no,” said Miller.
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